One of Recurrent’s missions is to help dispel the myth that EVs are all fancy, luxury cars. In fact, it is very important to get electric vehicles into the hands of a wider demographic - not just to accelerate adoption, but to improve ground level air quality and help lower income households with transportation and fuel costs.

While car manufacturers are working to bring new models to market, the used market is bursting at the seams with affordable, modern EVs - many of which are gently used and from very recent years. After record price increases in 2021 and 2022, the used market is having are renaissance of reasonable pricing and great deals.

For instance, every year when we refresh this article, there are more and newer EVs available under each price cap - there are a lot more options, including very new model years with higher range, faster charging, and tons of features. . Today, 60% of used EV listings are below $30K and nearly 75% are below $40K. To read more about the inventory today, check out this analysis.

If you’re looking for a budget EV, check out Best Used EVs Under $20K for some insight.

Nearly 60% of used EV selection is priced under $30K. There are some gems in here.

Best Used EVs Under $30K

2022 Volkswagen ID.4- 245 - 280 miles of EPA rated range

  • The ID.4 was the "it" car when it debuted in 2021, but a handful of them are up for sale on the second hand market at very tempting prices. It is roomy, stylish, and perfect for the driver who wants to say "emissions free" without shouting it.

2021-2023 Tesla Model 3  - 220 to 310 miles of EPA rated range

  • Everything to say about the Model 3 has already been said. A Tesla from 2021-2023 will have very light battery and range degradation, many years left on the transferrable battery warranty, and access to the top-rated Supercharger network.

2022 or 2023 Chevy Bolt - 259 miles of EPA rated range

  • Despite the battery recall saga of 2021, the Chevy Bolt is a great EV with unbeatable range for its price. The newest model years were not affected by the faulty packs. Although the 2023s were eligible for the $7500 EV tax credit if purchased new, they are still worth considering. If you can find one under $25,000, it may also qualify for the $4000 used EV tax credit!

2024 Nissan LEAF - 151 miles of EPA rated range

  • The LEAF is one of the earliest EVs to hit the streets and it has a near cult following. Since it has been on the road since 2012, the early manufacturing bugs are worked out. It is inexpensive to own, comfortable, and 80% of LEAF drivers would buy another one. Plus, a 2024 is basically new, so the range will be great and the car will have most of the battery warranty left. One thing to note: the LEAF is the only modern EV that does not use active thermal management, so it will last the longest in cooler, coastal climates.

Plug-in Hybrids Under $30K 

Plug-in hybrids offer limited all electric range after which a combustion engine kicks in to power the car. Drivers report they can run most errands and handle city driving without needing to fill the tank, but feel safe knowing they have additional range should they need it. 

2022 Toyota Prius Prime - 25 miles of EPA rated all electric range; up to 640 combined 

  • The Toyota Prius was many people’s introduction to hybrid electric vehicles. Unlike the Prius, the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid, meaning that the first 25 miles are all electric and zero emissions. 

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid - 32 miles EPA rated all electric range, 520 miles combined

  • This minivan is not your standard order family car. With 32 miles of all electric range and a ton of technology, it can shuttle you (and your family) around for day-to-day business with no emissions. And, for stress-free longer trips, you have a gas tank.

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Best Used EVs Between $30K and $40K

If you have room in your budget to look at vehicles up to $40K, you open the door to almost 75% of the national used EV inventory. You start to see some slightly older luxury cars - BMW and Porsche plug-ins, Audis and Tesla Xs- as well as some very new mid-priced options. And while there are a handful of new EVs that fall into this price range, shopping used may offer a wider selection of perks and add-ons.

Some interesting finds are:

2021 or 2022 Polestar 2 - 233 miles of EPA rated range

  • The Polestar was an exciting entry to the EV market and can now be found at perfectly reasonable prices. Polestar is a Volvo offspring, so you can expect minimalist design and a focus on safety. It has a roomy frunk, and some trims are equipped with a glass-top roof.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 - 240 - 360 miles of EPA rated range

  • After the success of the Ioniq 5 (which can also be had for under $40K), Hyundai rode the high with the Ioniq 6. It has a blazing fast charge speed, great efficiency, and a lot of style.

2021 - 2023 Tesla Model Y - 240 to 330 miles of EPA rated range

  • The Model Y has been the best selling car for a few years now, and there are plenty of them to be found in the used market. Obviously, older model years and lower level trims will be on the lower end of the price scale, but most configurations can be found under $40K.

Plug-in Hybrids options include:  

2022 BMW 530e - 21 miles EPA rated all electric range, 350 miles combined

  • Under the radar, BMW sells a lot of electric vehicles, although most of them in the US are hybrids. However, the stylish BMW plug-ins get the full luxury treatment, with plenty of power, handling, and a battery that you can recharge with a 110V plug. 

2020 Porsche Cayenne - 14 miles EPA rated all electric range, 480 miles combined

  • 14 miles of electric range is not really that much, but we were surprised to see Porsche hybrids under $40K. It just goes to show why it's worth taking a look at the used market.

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Looking for your first electric car? Check out by our free e-book on EV range.